How are the tensions of the time of Native American literature (Pre-1600) reflected in American literature?
I know that Native Americans were the first people to start writing literature, or telling oral stories. They were one of peace and nature. Some of the Americans and white people did not agree with Native Americans which caused conflict between the two, like wars. But they did negotiate with a few white people at the time.
I am not sure if my answer is correct or irrelevant for this question.
"Native Americans were the first people to start writing literature" <~~ What? You need to go back and re-think that statement!
What is incorrect about my statement?
Native Americans were the first known people to start telling stories, which in any case was literature, and when the years went by, their literature was discovered ..?
"literature"
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literature
Notice the word "written" in here. How would people who had no concept of writing have a "literature"?
Well their oral traditions, later on were known to be literature. When the Native American Literature was discovered, the type of genre they would be cultural genre?
*I mean their oral stories
Your answer contains some relevant information, but let's explore further to fully answer the question.
The tensions of the time of Native American literature, which mainly refers to the period before European colonization (pre-1600), were primarily centered around native peoples' interactions with European settlers. These tensions can be seen reflected in American literature, particularly in the way Native Americans are portrayed and the themes explored.
One major tension was the clash of cultures and the differing perspectives on land ownership and use. Native American literature often emphasizes the deep connection to the land and the belief in communal ownership, while European settlers, driven by the doctrine of Manifest Destiny, believed in the concept of private property and sought to conquer and control the land. In American literature, this tension is reflected in the portrayal of Native Americans as "others," sometimes romanticizing them as noble savages or portraying them as obstacles to be overcome.
Another tension was the violence and conflicts that arose from European colonization. Native American literature, both oral and written, often includes narratives of resistance, survival, and resilience in the face of loss and forced removal from their ancestral lands. These narratives highlight the injustices and atrocities committed by European colonizers. American literature later incorporated these themes in works that critique and question the destructive consequences of colonization, such as James Fenimore Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans" or Louise Erdrich's "Tracks."
Lastly, negotiations and interactions between Native Americans and Europeans, as you mentioned, also influenced American literature. Some works depict instances of understanding and cooperation between the two groups, showcasing moments of cultural exchange and collaborative efforts. These narratives highlight the complexities of these engagements and challenge the simplistic narratives of hostility. An example is the writings of Bartolomé de Las Casas, a Spanish colonist who advocated for the rights of Native Americans.
To fully appreciate the reflection of these tensions, it is essential to study a wide range of literary works from both Native American and American authors. By examining these writings, we can gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and the ways in which the tensions of the time shaped the development of American literature.